Rural Report for NSW South East and Gippsland with Michael Cavanagh; Friday 2u8th of March

Friday, 28 March 2014

Gippsland beef producer keep aiming for Japanese top end

The knock on effects of the drought continue to be seen right across the cattle industry, with premium producers saying it's currently impossible for them to have their cattle processed for the export market.

Peter Treasure runs Wuk Wuk beef in Gippsland, and while he understands the need to process cattle from the northern state's, he says premium producers still need support to relieve the local market and access the export opportunities in countries like Japan.

His comments come off the back of a statement on yesterday's Rural Report from Cattle Council of Australia President, Andrew Ogilvie, who said Australia wouldn't be trying to compete with the Japanese premium beef market.

But Peter Treasure says it remains a crucial market for local premium cattle producers.

By Jeremy Story Carter

Rain already influencing cattle markets

The rain over the past few days has put a smile on the face of producers.

The prolonged dry had some holding off from selling, while others were de-stocking.

However the rain has led to stronger markets as the rain has made its way down the coast.

"All the talk has been that when the break does come the cattle market would rise significantly and we are probably just getting to that phase now where we are seeing a shortage of numbers which will happen going through the late autumn and winter period."

By Michael Cavanagh

Farmers critical of NSW native veg code

The Native Vegetation Act looks certain to spark debate.

The State Government has put the first three self assessable codes for clearing up for comment.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner says these codes put land management decisions back in the hands of farmers without jeopardising the environment.